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‘We can lay down a marker’ - Muldowney

Aly Muldowney believes this weekend’s Premiership Rugby Cup clash with Wasps is an opportunity to lay down a marker ahead of Bristol Bears’ return to Gallagher Premiership action against Exeter Chiefs on Sunday, 18th November.

The second-row – who made his long-awaited return from injury at Ashton Gate last weekend – says Dai Young’s team will provide a stern test for Bristol at the Ricoh Arena.

“Wasps have got some of the most dangerous players in the country, so we’re expecting a tough game this weekend,” said Muldowney.

“We’re building back into the Premiership, so we’ll probably see a lot of stronger teams this week. It will be a good test and a good chance to see where we are before we get on to Exeter.

“As a forward pack, we were really pleased with the Gloucester game. We put in a lot of hard work off of the field, so it was good to see the transition from the training ground to the pitch – especially up front, because we’ve been working really hard with (forwards coach) Jonathan Thomas and (scrum coach) Iro (Mark Irish) and we saw that reflected on the pitch.”

“Wasps have got some of the most dangerous players in the country, so we’re expecting a tough game this weekend. It will be a good test and a good chance to see where we are before we get on to Exeter."

Aly Muldowney

Muldowney has been out of action since August with a neck injury but made his return as a second-half replacement against Gloucester on Saturday. And the 35-year-old former Exeter Chiefs, Connacht and Grenoble man admitted it was good to be back on the field.

“I hadn’t played since January, so definitely had the butterflies leading into the week, but it was worth it,” he said.

“It was bit of a freak injury with the neck – we just thought it was a bit sore, but I had the scan and found out it was a bit worse. So, it was really frustrating and quite depressing at the time, but then once you’ve got your head around it, you just focus on getting it right and getting ready to go.”

Purchase tickets for the Gallagher Premiership game against Exeter Chiefs on Sunday, 18th November online now by clicking here, or via supporter services on 0117 963 0600.